Import a WAB file into Outlook Contacts

Step 1: Import to Windows Contacts

Double click on the .wab file and click Import. (This step is so easy and so fast you might not realize what happened.)

If you don't have the .wab file and still have access to the old computer, look for it at C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book. It may be named username.wab. Copy it to the new computer.

Step 2: Using Outlook 2010 and older

If you use Outlook 2010 or older, you can import the Windows Contacts.

1. Open the Import/Export wizard. In Outlook 2010/2013, it's at File, Open, Import; in older versions, it's on the File menu.
2. Choose Import Internet Mail and Addresses. Click Next.
3. Choose Outlook Express.

4. Deselect Import Mail.
5. Choose whether to allow duplicates to be created.
6. Click Finish.

Depending on how many contacts you have, it can take from a few seconds to a few minutes to import the contacts.

Step 2: Using Outlook 2013

Outlook 2013 has limited import options. Your choices are Comma Separated Values (CSV) or vCards so you'll need to export the contacts from Windows Contacts in either CSV or as vCards. Because it's annoying to import a large number of vcards unless you use a macro, I recommend exporting in CSV format.

1. Open Windows contacts. In Windows 7, type Contacts in the Start search field; in Windows 8, type Contacts on the Start screen. Press Enter to open Contacts.
   Click Export. If you don't see Export to the far right of Organize, expand the bar or maximize the window.

2. Choose CSV (Comma Separated Values) from the Export Windows Contacts dialog.
3. Click Export.

4. Click Browse and type in a name for your CSV file.
5. Click Save, then click Next.
6. Select the fields to include in the Export. I recommend select all fields. (You need to click in each box.)
7. Click Finish the Export.
8. Close the Export dialog.

Now switch to Outlook 2013.

1. Open File, Open & Export.
2. Select Import/Export to open the Import/Export wizard .
3. Choose Import from another program or file. Click Next.

4. Choose Comma Separated Values.
5. Browse to the file you exported earlier
6. Choose whether to allow duplicates to be created.
7. Select your Contacts folder.
8. Click Finish.